snow on the lane

This is after two days of warm weather in which a lot of the snow was melted. Here however is the truck nearly high centered on the middle section of snow.

Snowed in

On Monday 15 2010, Susie, Torrin and I headed for the cabin to get it ready for the season. we anticipated some snow but not the amount we encountered. The Sand Flats road up the mountain was fine with a few spots with snow but nothing to speak of as the county had plowed the road sometime previous. At the lane into the cabin however, the only tire marks we saw were of our friend and caretaker Farland's pickup. We had spoken with her earlier in the week and she told us that she had been snowbound for a few days and took advantage of the late season snowfall to cross country ski all around the mesa. Later she pointed out her ski tracks where she skiid off a ledge at Cougar canyon. (Impressive) She baby sat gold medalist Bill Demong, Nordic Combined, when he was a child and was justifiably proud as she pointed out her tracks off some ledges. This photo shows the effort Torrin and I put forth in digging us out of the snow enough to put on chains. We arrived Monday night and made it to within 150 yards from the cabin via the road but walked in carrying our stuff 100 yards off the road and straight in. The temperture was in the 4os that night so we tramped through snowdrifts up to my hips carrying our stuff. Tuesday Torrin and I spent the day getting the pickup chained and turned around. All day Tuesday the melt was on because temps went to the 60s. The parts where we had cleared snow were now bogs of mud. Left the chains on to make sure we could navigate through if we need to. We decided we didn't need to go anywhere and remained at the cabin, woke up Wednesday morning to fresh falling snow. We re-shoveled pathways and Torrin declared he liked to dig so he was off and at it.

sunset at the castle valley overlook near moab utah

Along the Potash road highway near the river and petroglyphs, the sun shining on the river trees contrasted nicely with the shadowed rest stop. The play of light along the cliffs and river make for some tremendous shots. This particular photo was taken in November of 2009 and trees above the valley floor were pretty much bare but along the low lands fall colors still ruled the day. A world away from electronic games and devices is good for the spirit within each of us.

Doug Freeman offroading near Moab. Canyonlands in the background, Doug and family stayed at the cabin, rented off road vehicles and explored trails in the area. Here he is on a dirt bike ride with his son Matt. He writes

John,

We wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay at Moab and the Cabin.  You can see from the attached pictures that the whole family enjoyed exploring Moab’s backcountry.  We also brought our mountain bikes and were never at a loss for a new trail to test our skills.  We even found time to absorb the awe inspiring beauty in Arches National Park with several fun hikes.  The Cabin is a perfect out of the way retreat after a hard day of adventure.  It was comforting to return to a cozy log cabin each night with forever views out one window and mountain splendor out another window.  Although the sunsets were spectacular the crystal clear starry nights provided the encore.  On the way home, we were already planning our return to Moab and the Cabin.  Doug Freeman

Lori Freeman on a family vacation at the moab cabin. With rented off road vehicles the whole family was able to get out on some trails that can't be seen from the highways and main roads. Safe and economical, rentals can make a normal vacation one to remember the rest of your lives. Lori was a good sport to go off roading with husband Doug and children Matt and Megan.

Matt Freeman at Arches national park near Moab Utah. Matt and his family enjoyed the cabin a couple of times this past year and the family explored Arches as well as some off roading with rented machines. Matt has not been riding long but has already equalled if not surpassed his dad on a dirt bike.

Megan Freeman while out enjoying some of the off road trails with her family. Megan's dad Doug, reports that Megan is fearless on trying new things including dirtbikes and adventures. Moab makes for the perfect spot for youngsters to try out their adventure skills in wide open country.